Rate My Professor Rebecca Kurtovich

Rebecca Kurtovich is a senior professional staff member at the University of Otago, holding qualifications including a Bachelor of Physical Education with Honours (BPhEd(Hons)) from the University of Otago, a Master of Sport and Exercise (MSpEX) from Massey University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PgCertPH) from the University of Otago. Currently, she serves as Senior Manager in the Otago Business School Divisional Office within the Commerce division and as Senior Strategic Adviser (Māori) in the External Engagement Division, contributing to strategic initiatives including those related to the Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence (CAPEs).

Her career trajectory at the University of Otago includes significant roles in recreation and student services. She has worked as Sport and Facilities Officer at the Unipol Recreation Centre, Unipol assistant manager, and within Recreation Services as Sport and Facility Officer and Facility Officer. In these capacities, she facilitated inter-college sports events to foster community among college students and supported health and safety improvements. Kurtovich has been instrumental in sustainability efforts through the ‘Sustainable You’ framework, which integrates sustainable practices and Māori values to promote movement and wellbeing. During the pandemic, the team pivoted operations online, earning widespread praise for maintaining activity levels for staff, students, and the community.

Her contributions have earned notable recognitions. In 2018, the Recreation Services team, including Kurtovich, received the Professional Staff Award for Excellence in Health and Safety for initiatives such as investigating injuries in women’s rugby, installing defibrillators, acquiring locator beacons for students, and enhancing processes and equipment. In 2020, the team won the Outstanding Kōwhai award in the University’s Sustainability Awards for ‘Sustainable You’. In 2021, the Unipol Recreation team was a finalist in the international Green Gown Awards for its impactful sustainability work. Additionally, she has supported university events, such as serving as contact for the Tourism New Zealand breakfast event.